PREMIER GOSPEL AWARDS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF GOSPEL MUSIC IN THE UK

Cadogan Hall, Chelsea, was filled with gospel music lovers, who were present at the annual Premier Gospel Awards (PGA), which celebrated 50 years of gospel music in the UK. The audience enjoyed a glamorous event, organised by Premier Gospel in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, that featured incredible live performances and awards across nine categories. There were a number of memorable performances during the night, which included The Hip-Hop Cypher, with some of the best rappers from the last 30 years, and The Global Mic Toss, featuring Grammy Award winners Israel Houghton and Travis Greene; Nigerian musical artist, Phenom Dunsin Oyekan; and multi award-winning choir, ZimPraise, amongst others.

Other guest performances included the youngest ever winner of The Voice UK, Annatoria; Tim Bowman Jr; three times MOBO Award winner Guvna B; and Chevelle Franklin from Jamaica.

The winners from each category reflect the outstanding talent and dedication that has shaped UK gospel music. They included:

Best Male Vocalist: Limoblaze

Best Female Vocalist: Annatoria

Best Song: Limoblaze – ‘Jireh’

Best Album: Triple O – Everything Left Unsaid

Best Video: Guvna B – ‘Bridgeland Road’

Choir of the Year: The Spirituals

Best Group: Manor Collective

Best Newcomer: Tofunmi Adorna

Best International Act: Mercy Chinwo

In addition to recognising winners across nine award categories, special honourees Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards; Stormzy; YolanDa Brown OBE, broadcaster, artist and Chair of the BPI; and Arsenal and England star, Bukayo Saka received the Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Award for their dedication and impact on gospel music.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the Premier Gospel Awards for awarding me with this. I'm really grateful. Of course, I wouldn't be where I am today without my faith, so it’s a real big honour for me to receive this...”

Bukayo Saka

“I was so moved to receive the award. I want to see more and more gospel artists out there spreading such a positive message.”

Kanya King CBE

“It is such an honour. I remember the early years when others were not paying attention, but Premier Gospel would interview me.”

YolanDa Brown OBE

The Premier Gospel Awards was a resounding success. It brought together the gospel music community for a night full of celebration and appreciation for its rich history and cultural impact. Attendees left the event, inspired by the powerful performances and heartfelt speeches that highlighted the importance of gospel music in today's world.

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE, Premier Gospel Station Director, was pleased with this year’s PGA. He said: “This was a defining moment for the music, message and culture. The future of gospel in the UK is bright.”